Lorain police say T-Mobile manager robbed himself

LORAIN -- Police have arrested a manager at T-Mobile after they said he stole money and then claimed he was robbed at gunpoint.

Todd Daniel, 48, of Lorain, was arrested for filing a false police report and is to have theft and possession of marijuana charges added Monday after police say he stole $5,000 from T-Mobile, 1111 Meister Road, and then reported it as a robbery.

Police officers conducted a search of Daniel's car and home and recovered $4,500 in cash and half a pound of marijuana valued at $500, said Lt. Roger Watkins.

Watkins credited the bust to officers Juan Rodriguez and Miguel Salgado, as the two officers became suspicious of Daniel's story and pushed the investigation.

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"They went a bit above even though they were busy that day with all the accidents happening," Watkins said. "They took the time to do a little bit of work on that and it paid off."

The pair pulled video from a nearby business which showed Daniel driving up to the business in a car originally believed to be that of the robber.

Watkins could not provide specifics on what led to the arrest because of the ongoing investigation, but said the officers found evidence suspicious.

Daniel originally told officers Wednesday he'd opened the store up briefly while he waited for a money truck. He said the other employees had gone home because of the weather.

A man entered the store, asking for help with his cell phone, but then pulled a gun on Daniel, he said. He then forced Daniel to open the safe containing the money, shut him in a bathroom and left the store with all of its surveillance equipment.

Officers review footage from a McDonald's nearby and were able to see a black car, later identified as Daniel's vehicle, in front of the store move from one parking space to another. Salgado in his report noted "this seemed odd."

Additional charges will come, Watkins said. He said he'd review the case with the county prosecutor Monday and determine what other charges will be pursued against Daniel.